Leyland said that Garcia would for sure be on the playoff roster, and might even start the first game, should the Tigers face a lefty starter.

The only question marks, in my mind, were how many hitters were they going to carry.

If it was 13, it would have come down to a three-way decision between Kelly, Santiago and Boesch. Considering how lightly used Boesch has been in September (and how much he's struggled in those chances, anyway), it would have been hard to see him make it in that scenario.

With a 14/11 split, though, it may be hard to see Rick Porcello make the squad. It'll probably come down to either he or Smyly for that long relief option. Yes, Porcello did that to an extent in last year's playoffs, helping out when rain dictated the necessity, but he's not pitched well down the stretch, going winless in eight straight starts until the clincher Monday.

Unless he gets a "Brad Penny memorial managerial loyalty exemption," it's hard to see Porcello make it over Smyly, who's got the added bonus of being a versatile lefty. Another decision might possibly be to carry an extra lefty, Darin Downs, over a right-hander like Brayan Villarreal, who's struggled of late, posting a 4.08 ERA since mid-August. Downs is holding left-handed hitters to a .171 average and no extra-base hits.

Unlike previous years, when the roster was due 24 hours before the first playoff game, this year Leyland does not have to turn in his roster until game time for Game 1 on Saturday.

Email Matthew B. Mowery at matt.mowery@oakpress.com and follow him on Twitter @matthewbmowery. Text keyword "Tigers" to 22700 to get updates sent to your phone. Msg & data rates may apply. Text HELP for help. Text STOP to cancel.